If you are a home owner with a septic system one thing you should not ignore that is regular septic tank inspections. Most homeowners only think about their systems when things go wrong. Understanding the value of timely inspections can save you time, money and pressure down the line.
Dive into the details of what makes these inspections so valuable and how they can help you avoid all manner of inconveniences.
What is a Septic Tank Inspection?
It is a check-up to assess whether your septic system is functioning properly. This includes checking the complete assembly for possible leaks, measuring the levels of the sludge and the scum in the tank and assessing the level of efficiency of all the parts.
Experts may also check the drain field and rest of the system components during the inspection. This process prevents expensive repairs or health risks in the future.
Why Regular Septic Tank Inspections Are a Must
These are some of the reasons why septic tank inspections should always be prioritized without any underestimation.
1. Prevent Costly Repairs
If the septic system is neglected it can create severe problems like clogging, sewage backups, or total system failure. The costs associated with these repairs can run into the thousands. Alternatively, routine maintenance and inspections of the septic tank are relatively inexpensive and help mitigate the minor problems early on.
2. Protect Your Health
A leaking septic system can seep waste and bacteria into the yard or water supply. This creates a significant health hazard for your family and neighbors. Routine inspections help make sure that your system isn’t endangering anyone’s life.
3. Expand System Lifespan
Routine maintenance and septic tank check-ups can allow your system to last over 25—30 years. Increased frequency of missed inspections has the opposite effect, causing too much wear and tear and an early replacement.
4. Keep Our Surroundings Clean
The surrounds soils, streams and lakes may be contaminated by flowing wastewater from a neglected septic tank. This causes pollution in the area and is dangerous for animals. Routine inspections can avoid such pollution.
This is How You Know Your Septic Needs Examination
Even if you follow regular inspection schedules, stay alert for warning signs of septic tank problems, such as:
- Drains and toilets are taking longer to flush
- Yard feels warm, and emits foul smell
- Water that does not go away in the specified time near the drain field
- Scratching noises from the drainage pipes
- Blocked drainage
If you notice any of these,schedule a septic tank inspection immediately..
How Often Should You Inspect Your Septic Tank?
Wondering how often to inspect septic tank systems? Experts recommend a professional inspection every 1 to 3 years, depending on:
- Tank size
- Number of people in the household
- Water usage habits
- Age of the system
Alongside this, tank pumping every 3-5years is fundamental to prevent spillage and damage to the systems.
What’s Included In A Septic Tank Inspection?
These standard practices are usually a part of a septic tank inspection:
- Measuring the scum and sludge levels
- Searching for any cracks or leaks within the tank
- Examining the baffles and filters
- Testing water flow from the house to the tank
- Assessing the drain field’s condition
- Providing maintenance tips or repair suggestions
Some companies even offer camera inspections which allow for a detailed internal view of the system.
Septic Tank Inspection Cost: Is It Worth It?
In average, septic tank inspection costs between $100 and $500, varying with location and condition of the system. With repairs costing potential thousands of dollars, it may not look like a good idea at first, but it is a smart investment.
For a property purchase, doing a regular inspection for a few hundred dollars becomes a worthy investment.
Who Should Do The Inspection?
Never do rented DIY septic inspectors. Always hire a licensed septic inspector or a septic tank service company. Professionals come with apt tools, training, and the right knowledge making them the ideal choice, unlike untrained personnel.
Make use of social media, recommendations, or check online scrubs to find a certified inspector in your area.
Tips And Tricks To Maintain Your Septic System Healthy
In between pumping your septic tank and getting it serviced, make sure to follow these simple steps to keep your system operational.
- Don’t flush anything aside from toilet paper.
- Conserve water to alleviate the strain on the system.
- Avoid pouring chemical products and grease down the drain.
- Make use of cleaning agents that are safe for septic tanks.
- Keep trees and heavy objects away from the drain field
- Schedule timely pump-outs
Benefits of Regular Septic Inspections
As a recap, here is what you gain from regular septic check-ups:
- Reduced risk for emergencies repairs
- Healthier home and family
- Peace of mind knowing your system is healthy
- Increased lifespan of your septic system
- Cleaner and safer the environment and groundwater
It’s evident the importance of septic tank inspections goes far beyond preventing slow drains and bad odors.
Wrapping Up
Many people only realize the septic tank inspections importance when a serious problem occurs but by then it’s too late because the damage is done. Do not wait for a backup or costly repairs to take the action.
Act before a costly repair, or a backup happens. By investing in regular inspections, you can make your system safeguards and serve you for the long haul – small effort, whopping impact.
Attention everyone, if an inspection hasn’t been scheduled recently, now would be the best time to focus on it. Your health, home, and wallet would benefit—because your septic system deserves your attention. Ak Septic offers a professional septic tank inspection service for you , Contact today!